A friend reported that the Lord called her to fast one day a week for her church. On Wednesdays she only drinks water, and, amazingly, by the end of her workday, she feels better than on the days she eats. The Lord has given her a picture in her mind of her church with flames coming out of the top of it. She believes God wants to break out in revival in her church. Her hunger to know God's glory in their midst motivates her to fast.

God is giving desires to fast. "[Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you--energizing and creating in you the power and desire--both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight" (Philippians 2:13 Amplified). Because it is God who gives us the desires we have, we should seek to respond to the desires He gives.

I've been amazed at the wonderful sense of intimacy I've felt with the Holy Spirit after fasting. I have read that one of the benefits of fasting is the increased communion with God that occurs either during or after a fast.

Another benefit is increased direction for ministry. The early church recognized the value of fasting. Twice fasting is mentioned in Acts 13:2-3: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."

This last verse says "they" sent them off. The next verse adds that the two were "sent on their way by the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit and the people were moving as one when fasting was combined with prayer.

Dear Lord, guide us into the fasting that will prepare the way for Your Spirit to be outpoured.

"Even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning" (Joel 2:12).